SAFTY PRECAUTIONS WITH

LEAD ACID BATTERIES

Hazards Associated With

Industrial Batteries

Hydrogen Gas
Sulfuric Acid
Shock

Weight of the Battery

Hydrogen Gas
A by-product of the batterys charging process.
Lighter than air.
Flammable in nature.
Explosive mixture at 4 74% by volume of air.
Can not taste or see the gas vapors. You can
smell the acid in the battery if it heats up.

Acid Hazards
Ph <2 (Typically Sulfuric Acid)
Corrosive material
Burns to skin
Burns to eyes
Never open the battery caps with your
face directly over the battery.

Electrical Hazard
Exposed terminals, even on disconnected
batteries, present an electrical shock hazard.
Some battery systems are capable of discharging
at extremely high rates of current. Accidental
shorting of terminals or cables can result in
severe electrical arcing, causing burns and
electric shock to nearby personnel

Electrical Safety Precautions

Never touch both battery terminals with your
bare hands at the same time!
Remove rings, watches and dangling jewelry
when working with or near batteries. The metal
in the jewelry can cause a shock or burn if they
contact the battery terminals.
Only use insulated/non-conducting tools to
remove cell caps. Never lay tools or other metal
parts on top of a battery.

Electrical Safety Precautions

Consider covering battery terminals and
connectors if possible with an insulating blanket
before overhead inspections or repairs
Ensure charger is turned off before connecting or
disconnecting a battery to prevent arcing

Electrical Hazard
Event-Worker lost control
of a jumper wire while
working above battery
bank
Ends of jumper were not
insulated and blanket
was not installed over
battery terminals
Event resulted in severe
arcing and potential for
injury to worker

Fire and Explosion

Precautions

Do not smoke in battery charging areas.

Prevent open flames, sparks or electric arcs in battery

charging areas.
Do not strike the sides of the battery with any spark
producing item.
Keep tools and other metallic objects away from
uncovered batteries.
Have an ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher in charging
areas or readily available.

Battery Explosions
Event-This starting
battery exploded
during a load test
for a diesel
generator
Explosion can
expel debris and
battery acid
resulting in burns
and injury to

Handling Battery Acid

Use extreme caution when handling electrolyte and keep an acid

neutralizing solutionsuch as baking soda readily available

Always wear proper eye, face and hand protection.

Use non-metallic containers to handle liquid

If the electrolyte is splashed into an eye, immediately force the eye

open and flood it with clean, cool water for at least 15 minutes. Get
prompt medical attention.

Handling Battery Acid

If electrolyte is taken internally, drink large quantities of water or

milk. DO NOT induce vomiting. Call a physician immediately.

Neutralize with baking soda any electrolyte that spills on a vehicle

or in the work area. After neutralizing, rinse contaminated area
clean with water.

To prepare electrolyte of a desired specific gravity, always pour the

concentrated acid slowly into the water; DO NOT pour water into
the acid. Always stir the water while adding small amounts of acid.
If noticeable heat develops, allow the solution to cool before
continuing to add acid.

Changing Batteries
Industrial batteries used to power mobile
equipment can weight MORE.
Ensure the battery is securely locked in place prior
to pulling away from the battery changing area.
Do not attempt to stop a battery if it slides out of
the equipment.

Safe Handling of Batteries

Use appropriate equipment to load/unload batteries
from mobile equipment.
Ensure you are trained in using the loading equipment.
Keep tools and other metallic objects away from
uncovered batteries.
Use Baking Soda or cleaning agent specified in AHA to neutralize spilled acid.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING Requirements

for Electrolyte Handling
PPE Requirements:
Safety Glasses/goggles
Rubber Gloves
Face Shield
Chemical Apron
Boots

Safety Eye Wash & Shower

Requirements
An eyewash facility should be capable of
flushing both eyes simultaneously for fifteen
minutes and a water hose or safety shower
that, if portable, is capable of drenching the
body.
Eyewash and drenching facilities are to be
located as close to the point of exposure as
possible of battery handling areas (not to
exceed 25 ft.) (OSHA)
If Acid comes in contact with eyes, flush for 15
minutes and report to medical immediately.
If acid comes in contact with skin or clothing,
rinse off for several minutes and try not to spread
the electrolyte. Report to medical after rinsing.

Note: Eyewash and drenching facilities are not required for non-vented
batteries.